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In 1941, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill instigated the "V for Victory" campaign of World War II. The Morse code of the letter "V," dotdot-dot-dash, was also used as a code for the program, and because it was reminiscent of the first four notes of BEETHOVEN'S Fifth Symphony, this tune was also used. The "V," with or without the word "victory," was a tattoo design used at the time, occasionally even accompanied by the DOTS and dash.

The vajra (or dorje in Sanskrit) has the meaning of "THUNDERBOLT' "diamond," and "scepter." It is a ritual implement, typically made of brass. Essentially a small pole that is the same at both ends, each end is composed of four curving prongs that meet at the tip (like a small cage). The center piece, between the two halves, is typically a LOTUS or perhaps two from which the prongs project. The vajra is used to symbolize the active male principle and enlightenment and evolved from the thunderbolt-scepter wielded by Indra. Occasionally, it is also paired with the bell (the female symbol of wisdom). In art, the vajra is an attribute of the gods, in cluding BUDDHA.

In the mythology of the Norse, Valhalla is the great afterlife reward of slain warriors. In the palatial hall of Odin, these dead heroes would feast and drink and engage in their favorite activity fighting with one another. Placed in some location high in the sky and at the end of a RAINBOW bridge, Valhalla will remain their home until Ragnarok (Doom of the Gods, or Doomsday), the end of gods and men.

This mythical creature was part of folk belief that was widespread over Asia and Europe, but primarily in the Slavic areas. Sometimes taking the form of a BAT, the vampire is a dead person who must suck the blood of the living, who then traditionally become vampires themselves after being drained. Vampires are consumed by a lust for life, albeit a destructive one. Ghoulishly depicted but impeccably dressed, both male and female vampires are pale-skinned and red-lipped and will usually have larger than normal incisor teeth.

The Venus, sometimes also called the Aphrodite, of Willendorf is a small limestone statue that is one of the earliest pieces of prehistoric human artwork known, dated to ca. 28,000 to 25,000 B.C.E. Her large belly and breasts, with little detail given to much else, have led to her interpretation as a fertility figure and have also played some part in theories about early goddess cults.

The word "Lords," short for "Vice Lords," as well as the initials "VL," a PENTAGRAM, or an outline of a hand with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger extended are all used as tattoo symbols for the Vice Lords. Arguably the oldest and largest street gang in Chicago, they are predominantly African American with strong Nation of Islam beliefs. Many factions have been spawned, each with its own variation on the tattoo, such as the "CVL" for Conservative Vice Lords.